They say it's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll, and Blues Traveler is no exception.
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The 1990s rhythm-and-blues band, particularly its frontman, John Popper, has survived a few brushes with death over the years. The dexterous harmonica player was in a wheelchair for months after a motorcycle accident in 1992. He also weathered several health problems in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including a heart attack. The band even survived a bus crash in 2015.
At 58, Popper has continued to face close calls. In fact, this year alone, he has eluded death not once, but twice. Check out the details below.
The Blues Traveler Frontman Almost Died on His Honeymoon
On a recent episode of the podcast Rolling Stone Music Now, Popper explained that earlier this year, one of his near-death incidents occurred during a routine surgery.
While he was being treated for carpal tunnel syndrome early in the year, the physician noticed a heart flutter. During the follow-up procedure to address the issue, a doctor nicked his femoral artery.
"I lost about a liter and a half of blood in my leg," Popper said.
The "Run-Around" singer performed a private show a few days later. But then he started bleeding again. He went to a different hospital for several more surgeries.
In addition to his medical challenges, Popper also encountered danger during his honeymoon in Italy.
When Popper was getting out of the shower, he slipped and took a blow to the head.
"For the second time this year, my wife got to call the ambulance, this time in a foreign language," Popper shared.
Popper Says Blues Traveler Is Now "Essentially Sober"
Shifting away from his health scares, Popper shared that he once considered his weight an asset, especially in the way people relate to the band's music.
"My obesity made me somebody you root for," he said. "The fact that he's that fat guy who doesn't get the girl makes people root for you... A lot of people said when I lost weight, 'I used to like you better when you were fat.' And that's because I was not threatening."
Popper explains the group is now taking care of itself and is "essentially sober." This has allowed Popper to get stronger and begin planning a tour next year with fellow 1990s groups Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors.
"It just kind of happened that way, I guess 'cause we're getting old," he shared. "But the result is I am singing really well, and we're playing really well. After 38 years, we are playing about as well as we ever have."
